One morning in the garbí: where everything begins
The first encounter took place in the Garbí, a place where people usually meet to discuss projects. Miguel, a young waiter, became the center of a conversation that, unknowingly, would reveal a story of overcoming. It was a quiet morning, and while I made my order, I was captivated by his story.
Origins and a difficult childhood
Miguel was born in 2000 in Sao José Dos Campos, a Brazilian city with a rich technological and agricultural legacy. His childhood, however, was not easy. After the separation of her parents, her mother became her only source of support, working tirelessly to provide her a better future.
The change to Sao Paulo
At just eight years old, his life turned around when he started living with a stepfather who was passing through a man of faith. His relationship with him was complicated, because at home he behaved very differently than he did in the church. Miguel was forced to ripen quickly and face his own challenges.
Loneliness and struggle for education
After his stepfather’s departure, Miguel was left alone in Sao Paulo, where he started studying at a vocational training center. Despite the difficulties, he struggled to move forward, working in various jobs to stay and seek a better future.
A new horizon: emigration
With the desire to leave behind adversity, he decided to emigrate to Catalonia, where his mother was already living. Upon arriving in Barcelona, his life began a new chapter full of hopes and challenges, including learning a new language and adapting to a different culture.
The determination in the face of adversity
Despite the difficulties he faced as an immigrant during the pandemic, Miguel remained firm in his goals. He learned Catalan and worked in various jobs, all in the hope of building a dignified and full life.
A message of hope
Miguel has found his voice in a new country, with the aim of contributing to the society that has welcomed him. He has become a defender of integration and the importance of valuing immigrants who arrive with the aim of adding and enriching the community.
A reflection on immigration
Their story is a reminder that immigrants seek opportunities, not only for themselves, but for all those around them. His experience emphasizes the need to generate positive and inclusive dialogue in an increasingly diverse society.
A coffee with a smile
At the end of the conversation, Miguel invited me to share a coffee. Its laugh and determination left me a deep imprint. ‘Without us, you may not be able to enjoy coffee in the bar,’ he said with a smile, remembering the importance of his contribution to Catalan culture and society.
